As you know, all spring and summer stock is up to 60% off...head into a location near you to check out the great deals already in progress.

Do you stare longingly out of your office window (if you have one) at the beaming summer heat and those that wander by in flip flops? No, me neither, I really enjoy the air conditioning...But I must say, I envy the casual wardrobe. This morning sadly, I rode off on my bike so quickly I forgot my work shoes. Thus I must hide my feet all day like they were infectious! In most workplaces, it's just not that cool to wear flip flops to work.  However, there are ways to bring the summer into the workplace without creating two distinct wardrobes.

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Blouses are often thought of as something best kept for the office, school or an interview. However, the one above is so pretty, light and offers a wingspan that makes movement (maybe some fun dance moves?)...pretty enticing.

 

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Pencil skirts are such a consistently great option for an office setting. They're easy to pair up and this one specifically fits divinely with abundant stretch. The botanical print is so fresh and summery! And no reason this cannot be part of your weekend wardrobe worn with espadrilles and wide brim hat. (Also has a wonderful matching top)

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Graphic t's have become mainstream enough that they appear more and more often in the office. However, choose wisely... the 'NAP QUEEN' or 'FREE HUGS' won't help promote your credibility. Or, maybe date night; change into distressed jeans and heels and (as above) a funky clutch. Still chic but with a sprinkle of fun.

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Wanting to keep things simple, comfortable, yet stylish, feminine and professional...this dress crosses over the boundary from workplace to weekend so seamlessly (super stretchy fabrication, shirred back and comfortable length). Seen above with sandals; worn with sling backs or Mary Janes and a lightweight blazer or short cardigan, this will get lots of time outside of the closet!

Summer is here, maybe time off is limited. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the levity of the seasonal wardrobe... light, pretty and often colourful. If in doubt about what is appropriate in your office place, observe what your Supervisor wears...unless he's male, in which case, speak to HR!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

NEW ARRIVALS: Some insider info...no photos available yet but I was able to peruse some of the 'new' stock already in the stores and very soon to come...

  • Tencel shirt dresses (one of my fav. fabrics, excellent for this time of year as well)
  • Bomber jackets are hot right now...to come, a wonderful knit fabrication...which looks great with...
  • gorgeous pencil skirts (not the usual plaid print)...print! ;)
  • and a recut of one of the seasons best selling front pleat dresses..new prints!                                                

Just to name a few...  ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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Age is a feeling not a number

Submitted by Suzanne on Tue, 06/07/2016 - 13:20
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Plum just turned 35....what's in a number?  Many decades of great styles, great trends, great staff and customers! Great article in the Vancouver Sun in honor of the 35th anniversary.

I do not plan to save my best shoes, best scarves and best dresses, until I'm 64, or more importantly, abandon them at that point. It's a small thing, that brings many of us small bits of joy...fashion! Why cast aside the things you love so much because you've hit 30, 40, or (gasp) 50 and beyond. Our bodies change but our love of certain things and styles, tend to move with us through the decades. We merely have to find alternate ways of accommodating our shifting curves (sometimes they move south a bit). Lets take a peek at some of Plum's ageless beauties.

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This jacket is truly without age boundaries. Easy to co-ordinate with other colours and styles. And graphic t's are not just for the young. They add a bit of levity to the possible conformity of a suit jacket. It's a conversation piece thus may not require many other accessories.

Tobias 2 button jacket (soy black or white sand) was $195 now $160

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Here is a dress that Plum staff unanimously fell in love with. It's fun, it's flowey, it's bright, and pretty. The fabric is extremely stretchy and comfortable. I can see this also transcending various seasons. And it's on sale! What else could you want!

Wink Wink short sleeve a-line dress (3 patterns) $89 now $79

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This is a great trend. Often tunics give the feeling of being buried in fabric. Tunics with side slits create a great style feature and removes this over-coverage issue. Add a hip or chain belt to break it up. Wear with crop pants or as above with jeans.

Very J side slit tunic (off white or black/grey) was $75 now $59

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One of my favourites from the last few years, this trend lives on because it brings together fun and function.  Heaped in style and works as a simple but light cover in the very warm days of summer.

KW ethnic print kimono with tassels (navy) $59

Dress to look GREAT...because great is not an age, it's a feeling! And remember that adding a year to our age only means the world has had more time to enjoy us!!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

   ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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Scene stealer

Submitted by Suzanne on Thu, 06/02/2016 - 12:12
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Do you dress for attention or intention and what's the difference? ATTENTION is anything that turns heads, INTENTION is a message you 'intend' to convey (professional, creative, functional, tasteful)! For me, as a teen I was drawn to the most inconspicuous possible...fast forward 30 years (ok 40), I counsel myself with 'no need to wear all the bold things at once'! Here's a great tip that someone once shared... If you're dressed and ready to go and unsure of all the components...face away from the mirror, turn around quickly and the first thing that catches your eye...take it off. (I personally take all else off-lol). OR turn to someone who knows what works...like Plum.

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I'm not sure which camp this dress falls into, nor if it matters. It's so pretty, yet bold and easy to wear. Features an easy shape, pockets, tie back and comes in 3 great patterns. Go summer!!

Simone sleeveless flared sundress (aqua, blue/pink, red) $129

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This definitely makes for a dramatic look. Love the black/white contrast, however, keeping in mind the detailed pattern of the lace, one could certainly pair it with many other things, skinny jeans, crop pants, shorts, with footwear being one of the key focus changers.

Wander maxi embroidered mesh vest (black) $85

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Perhaps your intention is towards looking casual, comfortable, yet still trendy. This has it all in the bag. Cold shoulder and pink have made a big splash this year. The loose fit and tie dye create a casual comfortable vibe! (also makes a great cover-up for the beach).

Wander tie dye cold shoulder dress (pink) $55

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For professional reasons, you might need to keep things somewhat simple. The above top is indeed simple, however, with a different twist, vertical variegated stripes.

Soya concept t style vertical stripe top (off white) $59

If your intention and attention don't come together, that's ok...just get dressed, be yourself and wear what you love don't let it wear you!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

Plum's online store is open around the clock. But for personal service..head into a location near you. Staff will gladly help you find your focus!

   ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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It feels wonderful to be 35!

When we opened in May of 1981 we had one small store at 4th Avenue and Alma. It was a different time.  So different in fact I brought my dog to work. She would greet customers with a dog smile and a wag. There weren’t computers or smart phones or even a fax machine!  My first cell phone weighed almost two pounds!

I shudder remembering the bulky shoulder pads of the 80’s and my all time least favourite styles … Grunge. Besides juggling a new family, a mortgage and sleepless nights, I had to meet with suppliers in Montreal worrying about what the heck I would buy for the Grunge trend of all things!

The industry has changed dramatically over the decades.  We have evolved from a time when choosing the right styled clothing was important and comparatively expensive to clothing as a commodity; inexpensive and disposable.  Trends have come and gone but my husband Ed and I have always stayed focused on quality and style.  We are proud to think that our staff has always treated our customers as individuals and that they are motivated to find what is right for each person using their knowledge and experience. 

So to the thousands and thousands of customers we have had over the past thirty-five years … thanks for the memories.

Katie O’Brien & Ed Des Roches

ps: Speaking of long relationships we want to remind you that we are celebrating our birthday with a Big Sisters prize draw. A $ 3.50 donation made in one of our stores, will get you a draw entry (Plum also matches every donation up to $35). Winner receives a $ 1000 wardrobe from Plum. Check in one of our Plum locations for more details.
 

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Make a trend...fake a trend

Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 05/18/2016 - 11:42
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Who doesn't love matchy matchy? Plum's annual campaign to support BIG SISTERS is now in full swing and when you donate $3.50 to Big Sisters Plum will match every donation (up to $35)...Because matching is important! The goal is to help BIG SISTERS match two big and little sisters! Plus....be entered to win a $1000 wardrobe from Plum...yes A $1000 wardrobe! In honour of Plum's 35th year...Happy Birthday Plum! What a great way to celebrate! Note: only donations made in one of our Plum locations will be entered into the draw.

A recent fashion news story stated the day of 'trends' is all but gone, that we create our own individual trends, thus no longer requiring fashion hierarchy dictating what we must wear. However I then discovered yet another story about an ecommerce retailer who's latest trend set the web on fire by stating they are now selling 'puppies' alongside accessories. After I picked my jaw up off the keyboard, the article later stated it was a fake ploy to draw attention to animal welfare issues. I love puppies, but prefer mine on the end of a leash, not delivered in a Fedex box! So,if you're of the 'trend' camp and like to see new, exciting, fresh ideas on the fashion front OR you see things more in a classic way...linen is a great seasonal choice, It exudes class without being pretentious but provides a great canvas for your trendy additions. Here's what some of Plum's very own staff (the experts) have to say about it:

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Graciela said: "It's elegant, sexy and versatile". I agree Graciela, this jacket is all these things. Hard to abandon the blazer for the summer but the breathable nature of this fabric makes it possible to extend the wear into the warmer months.

Tobias linen jacket with welt pocket (caramel, khaki or natural) $185

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Allison said: "I tried on the top and pants together to get an idea of the fit, without the intent to wear them together, but they actually made a great outfit. I added a long necklace and it was fantastic!"

The function of these summer neutral colours are indeed wonderful together and yet the benefit of blending them with your existing wardrobe pieces, also makes them a must for the season. The washed fabrication of many of the co-ordinates, makes them softer to the touch. Worn simply or adding (as noted) some bold trendy jewelry punctuates your look!

Plum relaxed washed linen pant (black,grey or oatmeal) $82

Plum washed linen tank top (black, grey, oatmeal or white) $59

 

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Kayo said: "it's a 'chic' hippy look" 

Of course we soon head into the nearly unbearably hot season where shorts are almost the only option. What's great about linen shorts is they offer a bit more of a 'grown up' style. Great for festival season, however, a trendy way to wear them is with heels or strappy sandals and a long, light weight vest or kimono.

Plum washed linen shorts (black,grey or oatmeal) $65

worn with:

CM shell top, button back, lace bottom (cupcake) $55 (100% rayon)

 

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Naomi said: "it wrinkles but, like me, they earned it by living and loving life". Linen is definitely livable, breathable, loveable!

And let's not forget the skirt because while summer suddenly descends upon us, we are still on the job. A great co-ordinate for the office, school or the weekend wardrobe. Yes it wrinkles but, this is part of it's easy going, aesthetic.

Plum washed linen drawstring skirt (black, grey or oatmeal) $69

The earth inspired colours of the 'exclusive to Plum' linen collection, blends so seamlessly into the season at hand. Whether you decide to dial up the daring and add bold accessories or choose the minimal route, linen is an essential for the season.

Remember; being yourself is a trend that never goes out of style!

Yours in Fashion passion....

Suzanne M.

ps, don't forget Plum online is open 24 hours a day...

   ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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